Nigerian businessman Liberty Isaac, who is based in Ghana, has urged Olukayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, to bring charges against some police officers who he claims were abusing him and demanding N3 million at gunpoint in Bayelsa State.
Isaac revealed that he was confronted by some police officers on the Udi axis of the state, who made him unlock his phones. Isaac claimed he had come back to the country in August 2024 to attend a friend’s traditional marriage ceremony.
He reported that the cops brutalised him and had him send N3 million to them in two installments using their account credentials after they noticed a N10 million bank credit alert.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, Isaac disclosed that the leadership of the Zone 16 zonal command in Bayelsa State had returned his N3 million.
When he and his attorney visited the command on Friday, he said, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone released the money on bond to him.
He said that the rogue police officers should be prosecuted even though they were given a refund since doing so would force other incompetent officers to resign and boost public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
“It is true that I have received my N3 million back,” he stated. With God’s unique favour, the money was given to me on bond when my team and I visited the AIG Zone 16 in Bayelsa State on Friday, September 13.
However, I am still seeking justice. These officers ought to be held accountable to the law for their deeds. This case involves both kidnapping and armed robbery.
“This gesture demonstrated that the Nigeria Police Force is still a friend; while we know there are rotten eggs among them, there are still good ones.
The IGP is dedicated to root out corrupt officials.
I am grateful to AIG Zone 16 in Bayelsa and the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa for their prompt action in collecting my money.
According to my understanding, the IGP would eventually give justice to me.
“I have chosen to think that the Nigeria Police Force contains both bad and good individuals. There is no doubt that typically, this sad situation would have caused anyone to lose interest and confidence in the country, but I understand that there must be some betrayal in every group. Based on my observations, the force’s leadership is dedicated to identifying and dealing with the bad actors.
Speaking out against such harassment, he urged the people to do so, adding,
“This unfortunate experience will not deter me from returning to Nigeria again.
” It has just made me more confident that if people speak up whenever they can, Nigeria will eventually become better.
Refuse to accept every crime as commonplace. If you speak out, the police will take appropriate action.
Though I still have faith that the IGP will appropriately deal with those responsible, I am standing here as a witness to this regrettable event and its result.
The conditions simply caused a delay in giving the money to me, but in light of this experience, I think that if we Nigerians speak up, things may be managed in this country effectively.
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Nigerian Police apprehended the officers implicated in the extortion. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, tweeted on X.com that the police officers involved in the N3 million extortion case had been detained.
The men are assigned to Zone 16 Command in Yenagoa. The command has been directed to produce the personnel at the FHQ. “The FHQ will continue to sanitise the system and ensure justice is done in all cases brought to its notice.”
In Essence
Liberty Isaac’s experience with extortion at the hands of police officers who allegedly used their authority to intimidate him and extort N3 million is alarming, though, sadly, not uncommon in the country.
While it’s commendable that Isaac was able to recover his money and that swift action was taken by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Zone 16 leadership, it also raises concerns about the systemic issues within the Nigerian Police Force.
The fact that such officers were detained after the incident is a positive sign of accountability, but Isaac’s call for their prosecution is important.
Without proper legal consequences, it risks sending a message that corrupt practices can be resolved quietly without real reform or deterrence.
